Atherton - who had a history of domestic violence - had his weapons removed by Durham Police in 2008, but he successfully applied to have them returned to him.

Mr Turnbull, the son of Alison Turnbull, said: "I think this is a good step forward, but the Home Secretary needs to take further steps.

"I'm worried that a partner may say that they are happy for someone to have a gun licence because they are in fear of what would happen if they didn't get a gun.

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"To help in cases of domestic violence, they need to go not just to the victims, but further afield to other people in their families - and ask them in confidence."

Mrs May's proposal - revealed in a letter to MPs - followed mounting criticism of the Home Office for dragging its heels over calls for clearer gun laws, made in the wake of the County Durham massacre.

The Home Secretary said she was working with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) to strengthen "guidance on how reports of domestic violence should be treated by police considering firearms applications".

The proposal was to adopt the "Canadian practice of consulting the partners of firearms applicants", although the idea required further scrutiny.

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